A comprehensive proposal to redefine and rationalize the boundaries of the Changthang and Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuaries in Ladakh has been submitted to the Central Government for final approval.
This move aims to harmonize ecological protection with strategic, developmental, and livelihood priorities in one of India’s most fragile yet geopolitically vital high-altitude ecosystems.
Revised Boundaries and Expanded Coverage
At its meeting on September 19, 2025, the Ladakh State Wildlife Board (LSWB) proposed significant boundary revisions for both sanctuaries:
| Sanctuary | Area (1987 Notification) | Proposed Revised Area (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary | ~5,000 sq km | 16,550 sq km |
| Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary | ~4,000 sq km | 9,695 sq km |
- The revised proposal represents a threefold expansion of protected area coverage.
- However, it also includes rational exclusions:
- 1,742 sq km excluded from the Karakoram (Nubra–Shyok) region
- 164 sq km excluded from the Changthang area
These adjustments aim to align sanctuary limits with ground realities of human habitation and local activity.
Need for Rationalisation and Accurate Mapping
The original 1987 notifications were based on imprecise mapping techniques and lacked clearly demarcated boundaries.
As a result, the actual ecological spread of these sanctuaries was estimated to be 3–4 times larger than what was officially recorded.
To address this discrepancy:
- The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) conducted a detailed ecological and socio-spatial study, using advanced geospatial mapping.
- The study involved local consultations with villagers, panchayats, and wildlife experts.
- High Conservation Value Areas (HCVAs) — regions of exceptional ecological importance — were delineated:
- 10 HCVAs in the Karakoram Sanctuary
- 17 HCVAs in the Changthang Sanctuary
- Wildlife corridors were also identified to maintain ecological connectivity between habitats.
This rationalisation ensures scientifically accurate boundaries that both protect biodiversity and recognize the needs of resident communities.
Balancing Conservation with Local Livelihoods
The redefined sanctuaries aim to create a model of coexistence — safeguarding wildlife habitats while enabling sustainable human activity.
- Around 67 villages in Karakoram and 45 in Changthang are proposed for exclusion from the sanctuary core zones.
- These exclusions will allow:
- Eco-tourism and homestay development
- Traditional livestock rearing (yak, pashmina goats)
- Small-scale infrastructure to improve living conditions
- The policy does not promote large-scale commercial ventures, but emphasizes community-based tourism and conservation-linked livelihoods.
Officials clarified that the objective is to empower local communities as stewards of conservation, not to displace or marginalize them.
Strategic and Socioeconomic Significance
The Changthang and Karakoram wildlife sanctuaries lie in strategically critical zones adjoining China and Pakistan, including parts of the Nubra–Shyok Valley and the Pangong–Tso–Hanle region.
- Sustaining permanent habitation and livelihood security in these high-altitude areas is vital for national security and border vigilance.
- Chief Executive Councillor Tashi Gyalson highlighted that rational boundary adjustment aligns conservation goals with defence imperatives, ensuring that human presence complements strategic stability.
Thus, this proposal represents a holistic approach — integrating ecological protection, local development, and geopolitical priorities in India’s trans-Himalayan frontier.
📘 Exam-Oriented Facts
| Topic | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Sanctuaries Established | Originally notified in 1987 |
| Revised Areas (2025) | Karakoram – 16,550 sq km; Changthang – 9,695 sq km |
| Study Conducted By | Wildlife Institute of India (WII) |
| High Conservation Value Areas (HCVAs) | Total 27 (10 in Karakoram, 17 in Changthang) |
| Villages Proposed for Exclusion | 67 (Karakoram) + 45 (Changthang) |
| Purpose of Rationalisation | Align maps with habitation, support sustainable livelihoods, ensure defence coordination |
Ecological Importance
- Changthang Sanctuary hosts unique cold desert ecosystems, black-necked cranes, kiangs (wild asses), and snow leopards.
- Karakoram Sanctuary supports ibex, argali, brown bears, and pashmina goat habitats.
- Together, they form a crucial transboundary wildlife corridor connecting the Himalayan and Central Asian biodiversity zones.
Conclusion
The redefinition of Changthang and Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuaries marks a landmark step in Ladakh’s integrated conservation planning.
By combining scientific mapping, community inclusion, and strategic foresight, the initiative sets a precedent for managing borderland ecosystems that are both ecologically rich and geopolitically sensitive.
It demonstrates that ecological protection and human security can coexist — if guided by data-driven, inclusive policy design.
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